Index Archive

16 November 2016

BJP Government Bans Dr. Zakir Naik’s NGO IRF
On Tuesday BJP Government gave a go-ahead to declare the NGO run by Islamic Preacher Dr. Zakir Naik as an “unlawful association” which disturbed social and communal harmony and placed it under a ban for five years with immediate effect.

The NGO, Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), was declared an “unlawful association” under the UAPA primarily on the basis of four key points: criminal cases against Dr. Naik, provocative speeches by the preacher, the NGO’s dubious relationship with the banned Peace TV and transfer of NGO’s money to Peace TV.

An 'unlawful' association is different from a 'terrorist' organization listed under UAPA.
Declaration of IRF as 'unlawful' under UAPA will force closure of its offices and interests across the country.

What is UAPA?
UAPA is a short form of Unlawful Activities Prevention Act
Banning any organization under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) requires an approval by the Cabinet, and a Gazette notification will follow soon.

A Tribunal will be set up where Dr. Naik could challenge the ban on his NGO.